BOSTON – With his knee-high socks and shoulder-high leg kick, Orlando Hernandez strikes a unique pose out on the mound.

Last night, Hernandez’ form was back in action for the first time this postseason, and for four innings, so were his trademark October results. But in the fifth inning of the Yankees’ 6-4 Game 4 loss, El Duque fell apart, wildness causing him to blow a two-run lead and giving the Red Sox new life.

Coming into the game, there were concerns about Hernandez, who had been sidelined for the Yankees’ first seven playoff games due to a dead arm. But early on, he looked strong and showed no signs that he was ailing.

Then came the fifth.

With the Yankees holding a 2-0 lead, Hernandez suddenly got wild, and it would end up costing him. He walked leadoff man Kevin Millar and, one out later, did the same to Mark Bellhorn to put runners on first and second. After recovering to get Johnny Damon on a fielder’s choice (and near-double play), Duque faced Orlando Cabrera with runners on first and third.

Cabrera bounced a grounder through the hole between first and second for an RBI single, and the Sox were on the board. Hernandez, perhaps tiring, then walked Manny Ramirez, bringing up monstrous lefty David Ortiz.

Torre stuck with El Duque, and the move backfired when Ortiz slammed a changeup down the middle into center field for a two-run single.